I Ching · No.02 · K'un / The Receptive

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

Translation

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Being kind-hearted and generous, one's reputation spreads far and wide.
• Wealth 财运: Returning home laden with wealth.
• Household 家宅: A stable household; marriage is highly auspicious.
• Health 身体: Gentle exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Kun represents the earth and the masses. 'Shi' (momentum/terrain) is a term for strength. In military campaigns, having secured the terrain, gained momentum, and won over the masses, it is only natural to be invincible in every attack.
• Fame & Career 功名: Superiors who can model themselves on the depth of Kun's virtue will accumulate deeply and shine brightly, naturally attaining a far-reaching reputation.
• Business 营商: Kun signifies wealth, riches, accumulation, and gathering, all of which are auspicious omens for business. It is said, 'with deep virtue one sustains all things.' Virtue (De) implies acquisition (De), ensuring that one will surely return home laden with wealth.
• Household 家宅: Knowing that this residence occupies a superior terrain, it is highly auspicious.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Kun represents compliance, which is simply gentleness and yielding; it is the Way of the Earth, which is the Way of the Wife. Highly auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

• Overall Image 大象: The Earth sustains all things; conquering the masses through virtue, the benevolent person has no enemies.
• Fortune 运势: It is not advisable to rush into matters; it is better to control movement with stillness.
• Career 事业: Various undertakings can succeed and yield the expected results, but at the start, things may be unfavorable and beset by difficulties. Never take risks or advance rashly; one must speak and act with caution, especially avoiding going solo or acting arbitrarily. Gaining the care and support of friends is most important, cooperating with others to accomplish the enterprise together. Therefore, one should focus on inner cultivation, accumulate virtue, model oneself on the Earth, endure burdens with tolerance, be generous and forgiving, adhere to the principles of being straight, square, and reserved, avoid taking credit or acting proudly, persevere, and seek success in one's career.
• Business 经商: Opportunities are not very good; never take risks. A steady and prudent approach is best. When encountering setbacks, be sure to summarize lessons immediately. Pay attention to storing goods and waiting for the right price, being careful in every aspect.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Relatively smooth. Having the basic qualifications, working realistically and diligently, and not pursuing external possessions will bring good fortune.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Yin is abundant. Overcoming hardness with gentleness, the woman is gentle and yielding; a wonderful marriage, growing old together.
• Decision 决策: Honest, gentle, sincere in treating others, and enthusiastic in helping people, one will also receive help from others. However, one often gets hurt due to not guarding against petty people, though without major consequences. Possessing a flexible personality and varied working methods, one can navigate situations successfully and win praise.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the first line, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: Treading on hoarfrost, one can infer that solid ice is about to freeze. The Image says: Treading on hoarfrost, one can infer that solid ice is about to freeze. This shows that the cold Yin energy is beginning to condense; following the progression of natural laws, solid ice will soon freeze over.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line should guard against disputes caused by resentment. Those with strong Yin energy will greatly prosper their family estate. Officials must guard against slander from petty people causing disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Rising from a low position to a high one; do not advance rashly.
• Wealth 财运: Gradual accumulation can lead to wealth.
• Household 家宅: Abundant Yin is inauspicious; marriage is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: An illness of cold Yin nature; difficult to cure over time.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Business 营商: At Six at the beginning, the Yin energy is still faint. The saying 'treading on hoarfrost, solid ice arrives' infers from the minute to the abundant, just as in business, starting from small to big, accumulating gradually to reach wealth.
• Fame & Career 功名: The first line represents the time of youth and new entry, rising from low to high, like treading on hoarfrost leading to solid ice, coming with time; one must not advance rashly.
• Warfare 战征: The first line is the beginning of Yin, the image of 'treading on hoarfrost.' By the top line, 'dragons fight,' the extreme of Yin, the image of 'solid ice.' The saying 'their blood is dark and yellow' means both sides suffer defeat. One must first be cautious at the beginning.
• Household 家宅: Kun is a pure Yin hexagram. At the first line, the Yin energy is still faint, hence 'treading on hoarfrost.' When 'solid ice arrives,' the Yin energy is abundant. Abundance of Yin leads to decline, an inauspicious sign.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The Kun hexagram is pure Yin; frost and ice are both Yin symbols. Pure Yin without Yang is unfavorable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.
• Illness 疾病: Fear of an illness caused by Yin evils/cold; treatable at the onset, but difficult to cure after a long time.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, (shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: Straight, square, and great are the qualities of the Earth. Even if going to unfamiliar places, nothing is unfavorable. The Image says: The sign of Six in the second place is straight and square; even if going to unfamiliar places, nothing is unfavorable, for the Way of the Earth is vast and limitless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will have no worries about food and drink, living in comfort. Officials will be promoted to high positions. A woman's destiny is to build the household through virtue and wisdom.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Achievements can be made, and fame can be attained.
• Wealth 财运: Profits can be expected.
• Household 家宅: A comfortable home life; marriage is smooth.
• Health 身体: Recovering without medicine.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Business 营商: Six in the second place is the original position of Kun. 'Straight and square' are the nature of the Earth, and 'great' is the utility of the Earth, indicating that the business must be in land or local products, such as grain, timber, silk, and cotton. 'No practice, yet nothing is unfavorable' (the character 'Xi' meaning practice is exchangeable with 'Xi' meaning inheritance/repetition), meaning one knows of the profit without needing another divination.
• Fame & Career 功名: The second line occupies the central and correct position, gaining profit through action, implying that achievements are made without effort and fame is certain.
• Warfare 战征: In the way of war, securing the terrain is essential. Moving with direction and having great strength, the battle can be settled in one blow.
• Household 家宅: Six in the second place is central and correct; the dwelling is well-positioned, hence 'the Way of the Earth is glorious.'
• Marriage 嫁娶: 'Straight, square, and great' is the Way of the Earth. The Way of the Wife corresponds to the Way of the Earth, hence marriage is also favorable.
• Illness 疾病: The line says 'straight, square, and great,' indicating that the body is naturally strong and will recover without medicine.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, (shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Defeating Yin-Shang. A gratifying divination. Someone serves in war; though they achieve no victory, the end is good. The Image says: Defeating Yin-Shang, a gratifying divination, shows taking action by seizing the opportunity. Someone serves in war (without achieving victory yet having a good end), because his wisdom and talent are vast.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line can succeed in their plans, and careful management will yield harvest. Officials have hopes of promotion. A woman's destiny is to be a virtuous wife.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wait for the right time to act, and fame/rank can be preserved.
• Wealth 财运: Seize the opportunity, and there will surely be profit.
• Household 家宅: Coalesce and build cohesive strength.
• Health 身体: Irretrievable, ominous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line says 'keeping one's brilliance hidden, one can remain steadfast,' meaning one normally harbors talents and conceals them. Once engaged, one can naturally win; even if not successful, there will be no major defeat. Hence it is said 'without completion, there will be a good end.'
• Business 营商: Kun is the earth, from which all goods are born. A merchant can accumulate all kinds of goods, hence 'keeping one's brilliance hidden' (containing patterns). Those who engage in business trade all goods and sell them at the right time, hence 'released at the proper time.' The inner trigram of Kun reaches its limit at the third line, a place of fullness, hence 'glorious and great.' Therefore, although it may not succeed for a time, we know there will surely be a good end. Auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Those who seek fame should wait for the right time. When the time has not yet come, 'keep one's brilliance hidden and remain steadfast.' When the time comes, go forth to serve in the king's business. Those who understand this path will surely preserve their fame and rank to the end. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Contemplating the meaning of the phrase 'without completion, there will be an end,' one knows it is beyond medical cure. Ominous.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Ch'ien (Modesty) Hexagram. Success and smoothness. If this hexagram is met in divination, the gentleman will achieve success. The 'Xiang (Image) Commentary' says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Kun representing earth, and the inner trigram is Gen representing mountain. There is a mountain within the earth. The inner is high and the outer is low. Remaining high without being arrogant is the image of the Ch'ien hexagram. Observing this hexagram, the gentleman embraces modesty, reduces the superfluous and increases the deficient, measures the quantity of goods, and distributes them fairly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Modest, harmonious, patient, and yielding; honoring others while humbling oneself. Utilizing modesty, all things can be accomplished. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is lucky and peaceful, with promotion step-by-step. The future is very bright for those who are humble and patient, while the arrogant will surely meet defeat. Humility reaps benefits, while pride invites loss.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below and Kun above). Gen represents mountain, and Kun represents earth. There is a mountain on the earth's surface. The earth is low and the mountain is high, meaning inner high and outer low. It is a metaphor for not taking credit for great achievements, not self-praising for high reputation, and not being arrogant in a high position. This is humility.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, (shows the symbol of) a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Tying up the sack, as if keeping silent; no blame, no praise. The Image says: Tying up the sack, as if keeping silent, means caution avoids harm.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will face obstacles in business. Generally, those who are cautious and reserved will avoid sudden disaster. Officials should strictly stick to their routine duties, with hopes of promotion. A woman's destiny is to build the household through wisdom and virtue.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Being reserved is essential; seek only to avoid mistakes.
• Wealth 财运: Take profits to be safe and stop investing.
• Household 家宅: Peace is a blessing.
• Health 身体: Maintain and care for the body with caution.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Business 营商: The fourth line is the Xun line. Xun represents commerce and profit, referring to 'approaching a threefold profit in the market.' Here the line says 'tying up the sack,' which is clearly the image of closing the bag, indicating that profits were gained in the past, and the wealth has entered the bag and will not be let out again. Hence it is said: 'Tying up the sack, no blame, no praise.'
• Warfare 战征: Six in the fourth place is double Yin. In times of blockage, even if one has wisdom, one must bag one's talent with nowhere to apply strategies. It is advisable to close the pass and avoid battle, like tying up the mouth of a sack, and thus there is no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: The fourth line is a doubled卦. The Wenyan Commentary says, 'Heaven and earth are closed.' 'Tying up the sack' means keeping one's mouth shut. Since heaven and earth are closed, how can there be fame and rank? If one rashly seeks advancement and fame, it will only invite disaster; praise will turn into blame. Be cautious.
• Household 家宅: Six in the fourth place is a Yin line in a Yin position, not occupying the central place. This residence must be in a secluded mountain valley, suitable for those living in retirement.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, or twin daughters.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Yü (Enthusiasm). Favorable for establishing feudal lords and mobilizing armies. The Image says: The upper trigram is Zhen (Thunder) representing thunder, and the lower trigram is Kun (Earth) representing the earth. Spring thunder rumbles and the earth shakes, stimulating and bringing forth all things; this is the image of the Yü hexagram. Observing this, the ancient kings took inspiration from the thunder that fills the earth to create music, praising virtue, presenting it magnificently to the Supreme Lord (Shangdi) and extending the honor to their ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Thunder emerges from the earth; pleasing, obedient, and joyful. In times of peace and happiness, one must guard against troubles and adversity. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram accord with heaven and adapt to the times. Everything goes auspiciously, and one can receive assistance from elders. However, one must guard against sexual temptations and must not indulge in the world of sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Zhen above). Kun represents Earth and compliance; Zhen represents Thunder and movement. Thunder emerges according to the season, signifying the return of spring to the earth. Acting in compliance is the source of harmony and joy. This hexagram and the Qian (Modesty) hexagram are reverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, interacting with one another.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: A yellow lower garment, supreme good fortune. The Image says: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune, for the 'yellow garment' symbolizes a person's inner virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will gain wealth and profits, with everything stable and free of disaster. Officials will be promoted and enjoy rapid advancement. A woman's destiny is to be a virtuous and wise wife.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and rank are greatly manifested.
• Wealth 财运: Sure to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Harmony and happiness abound.
• Health 身体: Illness lies in the stomach and intestines.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Kun is the Way of the Minister. The fifth line occupies the honorable position, the most noble for a minister, like Shun acting as regent to execute the four evils, or Zhou acting as regent to execute the two uncles. The line says 'yellow garment, supreme good fortune,' which means employing civil virtue to manifest military achievements, hence the Commentary says 'beauty is within.'
• Fame & Career 功名: Six in the fifth place corresponds to Mao in the earthly branches, receiving the Qi of Zhen (Thunder). Zhen has the image of fame and rank rising. The fifth line is also a Li (Fire) line; Li represents the color yellow, near noon, and corresponds to the Seven Stars above, which govern embroidered garments, hence 'yellow garment.' Li also represents clarity, symbolizing the flourishing of civilization, hence 'beauty is within.'
• Business 营商: When Kun's fifth line changes, it becomes Bi (Holding Together). Bi is auspicious and means assistance; business must succeed through mutual support. In the Bi hexagram, Kun is below and Kan is above. Kun represents the garment, hence 'yellow garment.' Bi represents beauty, hence 'beauty is within,' indicating that the business must be in fine embroidery and apparel. The term 'supreme good fortune' ensures profit.
• Illness 疾病: Kun represents the large abdomen, yellow is the central color, and the garment is a lower ornament, showing that the illness lies in the middle and lower Jiao (triple energizer).
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: Dragons fight in the wilderness; their blood is dark and yellow. The Image says: Dragons fight in the wilderness, which is a metaphor for a person reaching a desperate dead end.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous. Those who obtain this line will face troubles from competition and suffer great losses. Officials face the disaster of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At the end of one's rope; a dead end.
• Wealth 财运: Losing all capital; total loss.
• Household 家宅: Out of order and disharmonious.
• Health 身体: Disorder of liver and blood; dangerous.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The image has clearly indicated mutual defeat.
• Fame & Career 功名: The top line is at the extreme of the outer trigram, like an old scholar entering the examination hall, frustrated for a long time, only to be defeated again in battle; truly lamentable.
• Business 营商: Six at the top is the end of the Kun hexagram; its way is exhausted. This means capital is depleted and all resources are spent; the way of commerce has reached a dead end.
• Illness 疾病: It must be a disease of Yin deficiency. Extreme Yin resists Yang, liver blood rebels, and life is at its end.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Yin is exhausted and turns to Yang; one can hope for a baby boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

All Sixes 用六

Line Text (Original)

(The lines of this hexagram are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six. If those (who are thus represented) be perpetually correct and firm, advantage will arise.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.